“This is the first year that I’ve won and gotten in the top three, too,” Shyanne beamed. “I’ve never had this feeling before. It’s awesome.”

Shyanne won the last finals class of the day with her 2009 sorrel mare, Emagining, aka “Doris.” By Mr Elusive and out of Call Me The First by Call Me Phenomenal, Doris is owned by Shyanne’s father, AQHA Professional Horseman Jason Smith of Whitesboro, Texas.

“(Doris) pretty much rules the barn and she knows it,” Shyanne said. “She’s full of herself. We’ve only had her for a year and shown her twice, but she’s a great team player. She always wants to keep you happy.”

“She’s so much bigger than most horses,” Shaynne explained. “It took a lot of hard work, practicing three times a day as well as riding every day. But Dad and Olin (Parker) helped me a lot. I really appreciate it.”

During the class, Shyanne wasn’t sure how she and her mare might place.

“There were a lot of really good mares in there and I was in the very back. (Doris) usually doesn’t like to put her ears up very well, but she showed like a champion,” Shaynne said proudly. “She’s a very sweet mare.

“I started crying (when they announced we’d won),” Shyanne said. “I was shaking so bad and Doris was looking at me like something was wrong, but I was like, ‘No, it’s okay.’”

During the course of this year’s Ford Youth World, Shyanne will show in 2-year-old mares, yearling geldings, horsemanship and showmanship.

Competing in five classes makes for a busy week, but this Ford Youth World veteran’s not worried. With the support of her family and friends, Shyanne plans to stay focused and continue showing to the best of her ability.

“I’d like to thank my parents, AQHA Professional Horseman Robin Frid, Olin Parker and my family and friends. Everyone’s always been there for me.”